Wednesday 16 October 2013
Media enquiry from Helen Devonshire, Guernsey Press:
We did a story in yesterday's paper about the end of the summer beach restrictions for dog walkers. We have had lots of comments on the issue so are doing another follow up, including the restrictions for horses on the beach.
Is the department able to explain the reasons for the seasonal restrictions for dogs/horses?
Also can it clarify what the restrictions are for horses on the beaches (if there are specific dates/times?)
Environment Department response:
Restrictions on the use of beaches for certain activities have been in place since 1934 when a law was introduced placing seasonal restrictions on the driving of vehicles onto the foreshore during certain hours of the day. This law has been updated and amended over the years and the current restrictions are defined in The Foreshore (Riding and Driving) (Amendment) Ordinance 1990 which states that no person shall, between 1st May and 30th September, ride on or drive a vehicle or ride a horse on the foreshore between the hours of 10am and 7pm without the permission of the Chief Officer of Police. This restriction is subject to certain exemptions including the haulage of fish, boats, their stores or gear.
The introduction of restrictions on the use of beaches recognises the fact that they provide a valuable service to the public as places to enjoy and relax in a natural setting without disturbance. The seasonal nature of the restrictions reflect the fact that beaches are more frequented during the warmer months of the year.
Similarly the seasonal restrictions on dogs (first introduced in 1992) reflects the desire to have some beaches which can be enjoyed by families who prefer not to have dogs present. In determining which beaches should be available to dogs and those which are restricted successive Boards have recognised that in a small island with limited available public land it is important to use legislation to deliver a balance between beaches where dogs are banned during the summer, thus addressing the needs of families and those who would prefer to avoid dogs, and those beaches where dogs are allowed to be exercised.
ENDS
